Pike Place Market Street Access Project
August, 2026
Overview
Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most beloved destinations. The streets in the Market serve many different users at once: visitors, residents, delivery drivers, market vendors, emergency vehicles, and more.
Since early 2025, we have been working closely with the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) and the Pike Place Market Historical Commission (MHC) to run a pilot program that limits access for people driving through Pike Place Market. Any changes that are made to the streets in Pike Place Market must be approved by the MHC.
Together, our goal is to improve overall access and experience for Pike Place Market businesses and visitors/customers alike. This means balancing and managing access into Pike Place to support businesses and increase safety, security, and comfort for people walking, biking, and rolling. To do this, we are using a “test and learn” approach which allows us to be flexible and test seasonal phases to access into the Market.
The project area includes Pike Pl, between Pike St and Virginia St, and Pike St, between 1st Ave and Pike Pl.
What’s Happening Now
We worked with the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) and the Market Historical Commission (MHC) to develop a plan for Phase 3 of the pilot program. The MHC recently approved Phase 3, which is the next step in our “test and learn” approach, designed specifically for the fall and winter months.
In the fall and winter, Pike Place Market sees fewer visitors, shorter days, and shifting access needs. Those changes impact how the street works and who uses it. We heard from many people who love to visit and shop at the Market with fewer cars around. We also heard from Market stakeholders, residents, and businesses who believe they need access to the streets in the Market.
Phase 3 helps us balance those needs and stay flexible by matching vehicle limits to the times when the most people are walking through the Market. In the summer, foot traffic is high nearly every day, so limits apply more broadly. During the rainy season, the busiest days are Fridays through Sundays and special events, so that's when we’re planning the limits.
The PDA has recommended an hourly threshold of 3,300 people in the market for limiting vehicle access. This is based on data showing that on Mondays through Thursdays, the average hourly visitor count is less than 3,300 people. On Fridays through Sundays, we usually see more than 3,300 people per hour between 11 AM and 4 PM. By aligning our plan with pedestrian counts, we can keep the Market welcoming and safe when it's most crowded, while still supporting access during quieter times.
As with earlier Phases, we will watch how these changes work, gather input, and adjust as needed. What we learn from Phase 3 will help shape a longer-term approach to managing street access at the market.
October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Monday – Thursday:
- Vehicles and pedestrians share the street
- No access limits
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
- Between 11 AM and 4 PM, staff manage vehicle access at 1st Ave and Pike St entry.
- Only authorized vehicles may enter for business deliveries, loading, ADA access, pre-arranged customer pick-ups, and emergency vehicles
Special events:
- Closed to vehicles (except emergency response)
- Dates and details will be shared in advance so visitors, merchants, and delivery services could plan accordingly.
Background
Since 2025, we’ve been working closely with the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) and the Pike Place Market Historical Commission (MHC). The PDA manages the day-to-day activities of the Market, and the MHC is charged with preserving the Market’s physical and social character. We work together with the PDA, the MHC, Market stakeholders, and advocacy groups to understand the different needs and desires for the area, and balance those needs.
Timeline
In April 2025, construction on Stewart Street prompted SDOT and the PDA to launch a program to test new ways of managing access on Pike St and Pike Pl. The goals were to improve safety for people walking, biking, and rolling to the market, support local businesses and delivery during construction, and prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
During Phase 1, authorized vehicles were allowed to access Pike Place Market from about 10 AM to 4 PM, and non-essential vehicles, like personal vehicles, taxis, and rideshares, were restricted. Temporary signs were placed at key access points to make this clear.
Access into Pike Place is managed by staff. Traffic barriers and signage tell people driving that the street is closed except to authorized vehicles. (Summer 2025)
As Seattle prepared to host the Men’s FIFA World Cup, SDOT and the PDA launched Phase 2, a temporary change to the pilot program that further limited vehicles during one of the busiest periods the market had ever seen.
During Phase 2, planters, signage, and moveable barriers were placed at key access points on Pike St, Pike Pl, Pine St, Stewart St, and Virginia St. This meant people could not drive through the market on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 12 PM and 5 PM. During other times, only authorized vehicles could drive through the Market.
During the week, planters and signage indicated that only authorized vehicles could drive through the market. (July, 2026)
During the weekend, moveable barriers blocked entry, except for emergency vehicles. (June, 2026)
In 2026, we surveyed nearly 5,500 people to understand how the pilot program was working for people. Here is what we heard:
- 98% Support: Of 5,380 respondents, 98% somewhat support or strongly support limiting vehicle access.
- 98% Seattleite Support: Of 4,597 respondents who identified as Seattle residents, 98% somewhat support or strongly support limiting vehicle access.
- 96% Business Support: Of 224 respondents who identified as local business employees or owners, 96% somewhat support or strongly support limiting vehicle access
- Top Benefits noted in comments: Enhanced pedestrian safety (38%) and a more welcoming environment (25%).
- Key Improvement Considerations: Making barriers permanent (23%) and restricting unauthorized vehicles (17%).
Other surveys were also conducted about the pilot program, including one by the University of Washington Urban Freight Lab. This study provided recommendations like:
- Limit vehicle access by season, not year-round.
- Give delivery and pickup vehicles more time to use the street.
- Look into ways to make customer pickup easier.
- Add clearer signs and information on the street to help people find their way.
The Phase 2 plan was approved through September 30, 2026. During Phase 3, we’ll continue working with the PDA, the MHC, and stakeholders to plan what’s next starting in Spring/Summer 2027.
October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Monday – Thursday:
- Vehicles and pedestrians share the street
- No access limits
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
- Between 11 AM and 4 PM, staff manage vehicle access at 1st Ave and Pike St entry.
- Only authorized vehicles may enter for business deliveries, loading, ADA access, pre-arranged customer pick-ups, and emergency vehicles
Special events:
- Closed to vehicles (except emergency response)
- Dates and details would be shared in advance so visitors, merchants, and delivery services can plan accordingly.